How to start a portrait in oil. Fundamental approach to prevent mistakes. Complete tutorial.

Eyes are never round, do not be afraid of darks, do not do lipstick lips, do not use black or blue they do not do the job, people start blending too early, if you see 100 paint 10. So much valuable advice! Dear Ben, I am very grateful to watch you and learn your lessons.

It is so comforting to find actual professionals explaining how difficult achieving an outstanding result is.

Wow, your brushwork speaks volumes but your explanations are the icing on the cake. Thank you kind sir.

Oh my this is the best tutorial. As a beginner , learning, being inspired, learning! Thank you very enjoyable and appreciated!

I love everything about this. The calm way you explain your process, your loose painterly style, the focus on simple blocking in of shapes and approximations of local color/value, and (being a guitarist myself) the short break to play some Blackbird (one of my favorites to jam out on). This is how I like/want to paint. Thank you.

I always wanted to try painting portraits, I’m scared to ruin it. Your teaching motivates me to give it a try. You’re an excellent teacher. Thank you Ben

THIS VIDEO IS AMAZING! I LOVE IT. I especially love his little hold nuggets like hope he uses the red pencil which type and why, the fact that he uses the compass with tooth picks and two steps of paper and how he uses good glossy copy paper. Those things help so much more than you realize

Mr. Lustenhouwer, it’s an honor to see you paint. Your skill, patience, and gentle tenacity in achieving what you want is a lesson for us all. Thank you for this wonderful portrait of your delightful granddaughter.

I haven't painted in many years, but your videos are giving me courage. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful portraits and methods! ❤️

this is so cute imagine your grandpa painting you 😭😭

many thanks for the wonderful lesson: your teachings are precious. I wish to thank you for your generosity in sharing your art. Happy painting and happy life Master!

Very nicely done. What many accomplished painters miss when they do instruction videos is that novices, like me, need to see your palette and the reference photo so we can see what you're doing and why. Good job. I learned a lot.

Andrew I just wanted to say that you're a true inspiration to everybody who loves painting. Your passion about all the tiny things around creating a beautiful piece is amazing and very inspiring at the same time. Watching you explain all those tricks and secrets that everybody hides is giving me the needed courage that i didn't have. You may not realize how much you're giving through your videos and appearance. The attitude about what you love is gigantic and resident. I love your style and paintings and really wish I could afford buying some of your pieces some day. I know that I am just another subscriber and just noone in the ocean of fans you have, and probably you won't even go through my comment, but in case you do, I want you to know that you've got a big fan out there from Bulgaria (oldest and most beautiful country in Europe) who supports you and who appreciates what you have been doing. As a starting self taught artist I find your content priceless. I would love to find out more about the lights you use in thr studio. The ones you use when paint and the other ones that create that warm atmosphere. Andrew keep the good work up, stay safe and wish you much inspiration. Greetings from Bulgaria!

How kind and generous of you to share your knowledge and amazing talent with the rest of the world. You have done some incredible reductionist work on the craft of painting while at the same time enhancing the artistic magic of the whole experience. I am grateful for every step you have talked us through, but in particular the use of the Gesso, the white spirit, the type/colours of paints and brushes and not least the gel and the subtlety of it uses - the hardware that underpins the personal marks of a painting. Sincere and grateful thanks. You have made me want to paint again!

My professor didn’t teach any technique, only critique. It disheartened me and took me years to pick up a brush again. Thank you for such a wonderful way for explaining. I know my skills are far from yours but the giant feels more conquerable this time around. ❤

This is probably the best teaching video ever made. It can be used both to teach how to teach and how to make teaching videos on the highest level. I make great art, but I do not make paintings like this. In the future, I will paint portraits, and I will copy all steps from the best teacher ever!

Even though I paint in acrylic, the approach you teach and many of the tips are invaluable to me. Thank you, so much!

I will watch it many times now to imbibe all the pearls which have been delivered by your masterly work , stay blessed sir!

Best tutorial on portrait painting I have watched! Definitely will share this. Thank you! Great tips!

Je n'avais encore jamais vu une personne notamment un artiste être si généreux de conseils, vous êtes vraiment formidable!